Constitution and Bylaws of The Rock of Winter Haven

a Florida Not for Profit Corporation

 

ARTICLE I

Name and Principal Office

 

The name of the Corporation is THE ROCK OF WINTER HAVEN.  This Corporation will be further referred to in the Constitution and Bylaws as “The Church”.  The Rock of Winter Haven maintains its principal office at 2901 SR 544, Winter Haven, FL 33881.  The Directors of the Church shall have full power and authority to change the principal office from one location to another.  Any change of this location shall be recorded by the Secretary on these bylaws opposite this section, or this section may be amended to state the new location.  Any change of this location shall be recorded by the Secretary on these bylaws opposite to this section, or this section may be amended to state the new location.

 

ARTICLE II  

501 © (3) Organization

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, this organization, The Rock of Winter Haven, is organized for one or more of the purposes as specified in Section 501©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under IRC 501©(3) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent tax laws.

 

No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of any member, trustee, director, officer of the organization, or any individual (except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or for the organization), and no member, trustee, share in the distribution of any of the organization’s assets on dissolution of the organization.

 

No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation (except as otherwise provided by IRC 501 (h) or participating in or intervening in (including the publication or distribution or statements), any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidates for political office.

 

In the event of dissolution, all of the remaining assets and property of the organization shall after payment of necessary expenses thereof be distributed to such organizations as shall qualify under section 501©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws, or to the Federal government or State or local government for a public purpose, subject to the approval of the Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Florida.

 

In any taxable year in which the organization is a private foundation as described in IRC 509(a), the organization shall distribute its income for said period at such time and manner as not to subject it to tax under IRC 4942, and the organization shall not (a) engage in any act of self dealing as defined in IRC 4941(d); (b) retain any excess business holdings as defined in IRC 4943(c); (c) make any investments in such a manner as to subject the organization to tax under IRC 4944; or, (d) make any taxable expenditures as defined in IRC 4945(d) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws.

 

ARTICLE III

Purpose

 

The Rock exists to glorify God by bringing people into a right relationship with Him through the Savior Jesus Christ.  John 14:6, John 15:1-8, Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 22:36-40

 

  1. EVANGELISM/MISSIONS – “To share the good news of Jesus Christ with as many people as possible in our community and throughout the world.”

(Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, 2 Peter 3:9).

 

  1. EDUCATION – “To help members develop toward full Christian maturity and

train them for effective ministry.  To promote personal, spiritual growth and discipleship through Bible teaching.”  (Ephesians 4:11-13, Matthew 18:20,

II Timothy 2:2)

 

  1. WORSHIP – “To participate in public worship services together and to maintain personal daily devotions.” (John 4:24)

 

  1. MINISTRY/SERVICE – “To serve unselfishly, in Jesus’ name meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in The Rock, community and     in the     world.” (1 Peter 4:10-11, Matthew 25:34-40, 1 Thessalonians 5:11,     Galatians 5:13)

 

  1.   FELLOWSHIP – “To encourage, support and pray for each other as members of the family of God.  To share our lives together.”  (I John 1:7, Acts 2:44-47,     Hebrews 10:23-25, Romans 15:5,7, John 13:34-35)

 

The Church seeks to benefit the people of the North East Polk County region by providing opportunities for spiritual, physical, intellectual, social and cultural development.

(Luke 2:52)

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Statement of Faith

 

We affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired Word of God, and as the only basis for our beliefs.  The Church accepts “The Baptist Faith and Message,” a 2000 affirmation of basic Christian beliefs, as a general statement of our faith.

 

ARTICLE V

Affiliation

 

The Church is an autonomous church and maintains the right to govern its own affairs, independent of any denominational control. Recognizing, however, the benefits of cooperation with other churches in world missions, the Church voluntarily affiliates with the Southern Baptist Convention in its national, state and local expressions.

 

ARTICLE VI

Membership

 

SECTION I:  General

 

Membership in this church shall consist of all persons who have met the qualifications for membership and are listed on the membership role.

 

SECTION II:  Qualifications for Membership

 

  1. A personal commitment of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

 

  1. Baptism by immersion as a testimony of salvation.

 

  1.     Attend Membership Class.

 

  1.     A commitment to abide by the membership covenant.

 

Nothing in this Article V shall be construed as limiting the right of the Church to refer to persons associated with it as “members”.  No such reference, however, shall constitute any such person a member within the meaning of Chapter 617.0601 of Florida Not for Profit Corporation Law.  The Church may confer, by amendment of these Bylaws, some or all the rights of a member as set forth in the Florida Not for Profit Corporation Law upon any such person or persons.  References in the Bylaws to “members” are not references to such associated persons.

SECTION III:  Designation of Membership

In an effort to properly reflect the membership of the Church, two rolls shall be maintained.  These rolls shall be updated periodically.

 

  1. Active/Resident Members:  All members who reside within the church’s ministry area or are currently active in the Church.

 

  1. Nonresident Members:  Members who have become inactive as a result of moving out of the church’s ministry area and have not joined another church.

 

SECTION IV:  Responsibilities of Membership

 

The responsibilities of membership are described in the membership covenant.

 

SECTION V:  Voting Rights of Membership

 

Every Active/Resident Member shall have the right to vote on the following matters:

  • the annual budget of the Church,
  • the election of the Trustees,
  • the disposition of all or substantially all the assets of the Church, the merger or         dissolution of the Church,
  • the acquisition of real property and related indebtedness, amendments to the             Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the church,
  • the calling or removing of a Lead Pastor.

Each member 16 years and older is entitled to one vote.  Voting by proxy is prohibited.

 

SECTION VI:  Termination of Membership

 

Members shall be removed from the church roll for the following reasons:

 

  1. Death

 

  1. Transfer of membership to another church.

 

  1. By personal request of the member.

 

  1. Dismissal by the Pastors according to the following conditions:

 

  1. The member’s life and conduct are not in accordance with the membership covenant in such a way that the member hinders the ministry influence of the church in the community.

 

  1. Procedures for the dismissal of a member shall be according to Matthew 18:15-17.

 

“Pastors” shall mean the Lead Pastor and the ordained pastors of the Executive Team, such team being determined and appointed by the Lead Pastor in his sole discretion from time to time.

 

SECTION VII:  Restoration of Members

 

Members dismissed by the Pastors shall be restored by the Pastors according to the spirit of 2 Corinthians 2:7-8, when their lifestyles are judged to be in accordance with the membership covenant.

 

ARTICLE VII

Membership Meetings

 

SECTION I:  Place

 

Meetings of the members shall be held at a building on the Church property or at such other place as may be designated from time to time by the Directors.

 

SECTION II:  General Meetings

 

A general meeting of the members shall be held in December of each year at such time as determined by the Directors.  This general meeting shall be the annual membership meeting. The purpose of this meeting shall be to adopt an annual budget and to elect the Trustees.  Subject to Section IV of this Article, any other proper business may be conducted at this meeting.

 

SECTION III:  Special Meetings

 

Special meetings may be called at any time by the Directors, the Lead Pastor or an Associate Pastor for any purpose by giving notice to the members in accordance with Section IV of this Article.

 

SECTION IV:  Notice Requirements for Membership Meetings

 

  1. General Requirements.  Whenever members are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, notice shall be given to members no less than two (2) weeks prior to a meeting.  Notification of membership meetings shall be given in any of the following manners which shall be deemed to be a reasonable method of calling a membership meeting:

 

  1. Distribution of written material to the congregation in attendance at a regular weekend service;

 

  1. Announcement of the meeting in electronic, printed or other material;

 

  1. Oral announcement to the congregation at a weekend service; or

 

  1. Delivery by United States mail to each member identified on the membership roll.

 

  1. Notice of Certain Agenda Items.  Action by the members on any of the following proposals, other than by unanimous approval by those members present and entitled to vote, is valid only if the notice or waiver of notice specifies the general nature of the proposal:

 

  1. Calling or removing the Lead Pastor;

 

  1. Amending the Articles of Incorporation;

 

  1. Adopting, amending or repealing Bylaws;

 

  1. Disposing of all or substantially all the Church’s assets;

 

  1. Adopting or amending a merger agreement;

 

  1. Approving the election to wind up and dissolve the Church; or

 

  1. Approving the acquisition of real property and related indebtedness.

 

SECTION V:  Quorum

 

Those members present and voting at a meeting duly noticed and called shall constitute a quorum of the membership for the transaction of business.

 

SECTION VI:  Voting

 

A simple majority of the quorum will be 51% of those present and will be required to all actions taken be the membership unless stipulated otherwise in these Bylaws.

 

ARTICLE VIII

Trustees

 

SECTION I:  Number and Term

 

The Directors shall, from time to time, designate the authorized number of Trustees of the Church.  The Trustees shall be elected by the members at the annual membership meeting based upon the recommendation by the Directors, to serve until the next annual meeting.  The Trustees may only be removed by a vote of the members.

 

SECTION II:  Powers

 

The Trustees shall have the following powers and duties:

 

  1. To provide financial counsel to the Directors.

Such counsel shall be provided at the discretion of the Directors.

 

  1. To determine the compensation of the licensed and/or ordained pastors of the Church.

 

  1. To conduct such other duties and activities as the Directors may designate from time to time.

 

ARTICLE IX

Directors

 

SECTION I:  Number and Term

 

The authorized number of Directors shall be, until changed by amendment of the Articles or Incorporation or by a Bylaw duly adopted by the members, such number as may from time to time be authorized by resolution of the Directors, provided that such number shall not be less than three (3), nor more than fifteen (15).  The Directors shall consist of the Lead Pastor and Pastors as defined in Article V, Section VI. Each Director may serve successive terms and shall hold office until a successor has been designated and qualified or until either resignation or removal occurs. Other than the Lead Pastor, each Director serves at the pleasure of the Lead Pastor.

 

SECTION II:  Powers

 

  1. General Corporate Powers.  Subject to the provisions and limitations of the Florida Not for Profit Corporation Law and any limitations in the Articles of Incorporation and these Bylaws, the activities, business and affairs of the Church shall be conducted, and all corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Directors.

 

  1. Specific Powers.  Without prejudice to the general powers set forth above, and subject to same limitations, the Directors shall have the power to:

 

  1. Select and remove all officers, agents and employees of the Church except for the Lead Pastor; prescribe any powers and duties for them that are consistent with law, with the Articles of Incorporation and with these Bylaws; and

 

  1. Change the principal executive office or the principal business office of the Church in the State of Florida from one location to another, and designate any place within or outside the State of Florida for the holding of any meeting or meetings of the Directors; and

 

  1. Adopt, make and use a corporate seal and alter the form of the seal; and

 

  1. Borrow money and incur indebtedness on behalf of the Church and cause to be executed and delivered for the Church’s purposes and in the Church’s name, promissory notes and other evidences of debt and securities; and

 

  1. Exercise all other powers conferred by the Florida Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law or other applicable laws.

 

ARTICLE X

Meetings of the Directors

 

SECTION I:  Place of Meetings

 

Regular or special meetings of the Directors may be held at any place within or outside the State of Florida that has been designated from time to time by resolution of the Directors.  In the absence of such designation, meetings shall be held at the principal office of the Church. Notwithstanding the above provisions of this section, a regular or special meeting of the Directors may be held at any place consented to in writing by all the Directors, either before or after the meeting.  If such consents are given, they shall be filed with the minutes of the meeting. Any meeting, regular or special, may be held by conference telephone or similar communication equipment, if all Directors participating in the meeting can hear one another. All such Directors shall be deemed to be present in person at such meeting.

 

SECTION II:  Regular Meetings

 

Regular meetings of the Directors may be held without notice if the time and place of such meetings are fixed by resolution of the Directors.

 

SECTION III:  Special Meetings

 

  1. Authority to Call.  Special meetings of the Directors may be called for any purpose and at any time by the Lead Pastor or any other Director.

 

  1. Notice.

 

  1. Manner of Giving.  Notice of the time and place of special meetings shall be given to each Director by one of the following methods:  (1) by personal delivery of written notice; (2) by first class mail, postage prepaid; (3) by telephone communication, either directly to the Director or to a person at the Director’s office or home who the person giving the notice has reason to believe will promptly communicate the notice to the Director, or (4) by fax or email to the Director’s home or office.

 

  1. Time Requirements.  Notices sent by first class mail shall be deposited in the United States mail at least four (4) days before the time set for the meeting.  Notices given by personal delivery, or electronic means, shall be delivered to the Directors at least twenty-four (24) hours before the time set for the meeting.

 

  1.   Notice Contents.  The notice shall state the time and place for the meeting.  However, the notice does not need to specify the place of the meeting if the special meeting is to be held at the Church’s principal office.  The notice must specify the purpose of the meeting.

 

SECTION IV:  Quorum

 

A majority of current Directors present at a meeting duly called and noticed shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  Every action taken or decision made by a majority of the Directors present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Directors, subject to the provisions of the Florida Nonprofit Corporation Law.  A meeting at which a quorum is initially present may continue to transact business, notwithstanding the withdrawal of Directors.

 

SECTION V:  Waiver of Notice

 

The transactions of any meeting of the Directors, however called and noticed or wherever held, shall be as valid as though taken at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice, if a quorum is present, and either before or after the meeting, each of the Directors not present signs a written waiver of notice, a consent to holding the meeting, or approves the minutes.  The waiver of notice or consent shall specify the purpose of the meeting. All waivers, consents and approvals shall be filed with the corporate records or made a part of the minutes of the meeting. Notice of a meeting need not be given to any Director who attends the meeting without protesting before or at its commencement about the lack of notice.

 

SECTION VI:  Action Without Meeting

 

Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Directors may be taken without a meeting, if all the Directors, individually, or collectively, consent in writing to the action.  Such action by written consent shall have the same force and effect as the unanimous vote of the Directors. Such written consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Directors.

 

ARTICLE XI

Officers

 

SECTION I:  Officers

 

The officers of the Church shall be a Lead Pastor, a member of the Executive Team and a Chief Financial Officer.  The Lead Pastor shall serve as the President of the Church and shall act as the moderator of the Church. A member of the Executive Team shall serve as the Vice President of the Church and shall act as the moderator of the Church in the absence of the Lead Pastor.  The Chief Financial Officer shall serve as both the Secretary and the Treasurer of the Church and shall act as moderator in the absence of both the Lead Pastor and a member of the Executive Team. The Lead Pastor may not serve concurrently as the Chief Financial Officer of the Church.

 

SECTION II:  Election of Officers

 

The Lead Pastor of the Church shall be chosen by the members at a membership meeting.  All other officers of the Church shall be chosen by the Directors, and each shall serve at the pleasure of the Directors, subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of employment.

 

SECTION III:  Removal of Officers

 

The Lead Pastor may only be removed, with or without cause, by the members at any regular or special membership meeting.  Subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of employment, all other officers may be removed, with or without cause, by the Directors, at any regular or special meeting of the Directors.

 

SECTION IV:  Vacancies in Offices

 

A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or any other cause shall be filled only in the manner prescribed in these Bylaws for regular appointments to that office.  Such vacancies shall be filled as they occur.

 

ARTICLE XII

Indemnification of Directors, Officers,

Employees and Other Agents

 

SECTION I:  Definitions

 

For the purpose of this Article,

 

  1. Agent.  “Agent” means any person who is or was a Director, officer,             trustee, employee or other agent of the Church, or is or was serving             at the request of the Church as a Director, officer, trustee, employee or             agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint                 venture, trust or other enterprise, or was a Director, officer, employee or             agent of a foreign or domestic corporation that     was a predecessor                 corporation of the Church or of another enterprise at the request of such             predecessor corporation;

 

  1.  Proceeding.  “Proceeding” means any threatened, pending or completed             action     or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or                 investigative; and

 

  1.  Expenses.  “Expenses” include, without limitation, all attorneys’ fees and             any other fees incurred in the defense of any claims or proceedings             against an agent by reason of his position or relationship as agent and all             attorneys’ fees, costs, and other fees incurred in establishing a             right to indemnification under this Article.

 

SECTION II:   Successful Defense by Agent

 

To the extent that an agent of the Church has been successful on the merits in the defense of any proceeding referred to in this Article XI, or in the defense of any claim, issue, or matter therein, the agent shall be indemnified against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the agent in connection with the claim.  If an agent either settles any such claim or sustains a judgment rendered against him, then the provisions of Sections III through V of this Article shall determine whether the agent is entitled to indemnification.

 

SECTION III:  Actions Brought by Persons Other than the Church

 

Subject to the required findings to be made pursuant to Section V, below, the Church shall indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any proceeding other than action brought by, or in the right of, the Church, to procure judgment on its favor, an action brought under Chapter 617.0831 and 617.0834 of the Florida Not For Profit Corporation Law by reason of the fact that such person is or was an agent of the Church, for all expenses, judgments, fines, settlements, and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the proceeding.

 

SECTION IV:  Action Brought by or on Behalf of the Church

 

  1. Claims Settled Out of Court.  If any agent settles or otherwise disposes of a threatened or pending action brought by or on behalf of the Church, without court approval or approval of the Attorney General, the agent shall receive no indemnification for either amounts paid pursuant to the terms of the settlement or other disposition or for any expenses incurred in defending against the proceeding.

 

  1. Threatened Pending or Completed Actions Against Agent.  The Church shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action brought by or in the right of the Church, or  brought under Chapter 617.0831 or 617.0834 of the Florida Not For Profit Corporation Law to procure a judgment in its favor, by reason of the fact that the person is or was an agent of the Church, for all expenses actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of that action, provided that both the following are met:

 

  1. The determination of good faith conduct required by Section V, below, must be made in the manner provided for in that section; and

 

  1. Where the agent has actually been adjudged liable to the Church in the performance of such person’s duty to the Church, unless and only to the extent that the court in which such proceeding is or was pending, shall, upon application, determine that, in view of all of the circumstances of the case, the agent is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for the expenses incurred.  If the agent is found to be so entitled, the court shall determine the appropriate amount of expenses to be reimbursed.

 

SECTION V:  Determination of Agent’s Good Faith Conduct

 

The indemnification granted to an agent in Sections III and IV of the Article is conditioned on the following:

 

  1. Required Standard of Conduct.  The agent seeking reimbursement must be found, in the manner provided below, that he acted in good faith, in a manner he believed to be in the best interest of the Church, and with such care, including reasonable inquiry, as an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use in similar circumstances.  The termination of any proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or on a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith or in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the Church or that he had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.  In the case of a criminal proceeding, the person must have had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

 

  1. Manner of Determination of Good Faith Conduct.  The determination that the agent did act in a manner complying with Section V above shall be made by:

 

  1. The Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of Directors who are not parties to the proceeding; or

 

  1. Approval of the members, with the persons to be indemnified not being entitled to vote thereon; or

 

  1. The court in which the proceeding is or was pending.  Such determination may be made on application brought by the Church or the agent or the attorney or other person rendering a defense to the agent, whether or not the application by the agent, attorney or other person is opposed by the Church.

 

SECTION VI:  Limitations

 

No indemnification or advance shall be made under this Article, except as provided in Sections II or V, in any circumstances when it appears:

 

  1. That the indemnification or advance would be inconsistent with a provision of the Articles of Incorporation, the Bylaws, a resolution of the members, or an agreement in effect at the time of the accrual of the alleged cause of action asserted in the proceeding in which the expenses were incurred, or other amounts were paid, which prohibits or otherwise limits indemnification; or

 

  1. That the indemnification would be inconsistent with any condition expressly imposed by a court in approving a settlement.

 

SECTION VII:  Advance of Expenses

 

Expenses incurred in defending any proceeding may be advanced by the Church before the final disposition of the proceeding on receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the agent to repay the amount of the advance unless it is determined ultimately that the agent is entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Article.

 

SECTION VIII:  Insurance

 

The Directors may adopt a resolution authorizing the purchase and maintenance of insurance on behalf of any agent of the Church against any liability asserted against or incurred by the agent in such capacity or arising out of the agent’s status as such, whether or not the Church would have the power to indemnify the agent under Chapter 617.0831 or 617.0834; provided, however, that the Church shall have no power to purchase and maintain such insurance to indemnify any agent of the Church for violation of Florida Not For Profit, Chapter 617 Statutes.

 

ARTICLE XIII

Records and Reports

 

The Church shall maintain the following records and reports:

 

  1. Adequate and correct books and records of accounts (financial records); and

 

  1. Written minutes of the proceedings of its members and Directors; and

 

  1. A record of the members of the Church, setting forth the members’ names and addresses; and

 

  1. Contribution statements for contributors.

 

All such records shall be kept at the Church’s principal office.

 

ARTICLE XIV

Construction and Definitions

 

Unless the context requires otherwise, the general provisions, rules of construction, and definitions in the Florida Not for Profit Corporation Law shall govern the construction of these Bylaws.

 

ARTICLE XV

Amendments to the Bylaws

 

Subject to the provision of Chapter 617.0206 of the Florida Not for Profit Corporation Law, these Bylaws or any provision of them may be altered, amended or repealed, and new Bylaws may be adopted by vote of two-thirds of the members present at any special or regular membership meeting at which a quorum is present.

Revised 10-10-06